Fishing

Globally, humans derive most of their protein from the ocean. The Santa Barbara Channel is known for its rich and productive fisheries, supporting local economies.
Landings
Commercial
A figure showing trends in fishing catch (pounds, left y-axis) and economic value (dollars, right y-axis) for seven major fisheries around the Channel Islands (2000 to 2012). Figure credit: Leeworthy et al. 2014a.

A figure showing trends in fishing catch (pounds, left y-axis) and economic value (dollars, right y-axis) for seven major fisheries around the Channel Islands (2000 to 2012). Figure credit: Leeworthy et al. 2014a.

Click for Details Trends over time in commercial fishing activity in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) based on landings pounds (blue bars) and value (dark blue line) for seven fisheries from 2000 to 2012. Landings were combined for twenty-two blocks that overlap substantially with the sanctuary (see Figure App.C4.3. for map). Landings for market squid, sardine, and anchovy declined recently while landings of crabs increased. Landings of sea urchin, spiny lobster, and prawn and shrimp were relatively stable. For more information, consult Figure App.C.4.4 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.
Recreational

Deep-water
A figure showing fish catch of bottom-dwelling fish, reported from within the Sanctuary from 1985 - 2015. Data source: CDFW; Figure: P. Etnoyer/NOAA.

A figure showing fish catch of bottom-dwelling fish, reported from within the Sanctuary from 1985 - 2015. Data source: CDFW; Figure: P. Etnoyer/NOAA.

Click for Details Landings (in pounds) and the relative contribution of gear types has changed over time due to changing regulations, economics, and consumer demand. Since 2002, there is zero to minimal set net and trawl landings, and reduced landings for bottom longlines and traps until 2008, followed by a dramatic increase in bottom longline and trap landings to peak levels. For more information, consult Figure App.C.3.2 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.
Maps of Fishing
Trawling
A map showing landings of fish caught by trawling (a method of commercial fishing) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water corals, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map. Data source: CDFW, Perry et al 2010; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA, Etnoyer et al. 2015.

A map showing landings of fish caught by trawling (a method of commercial fishing) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water corals, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map. Data source: CDFW, Perry et al 2010; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA, Etnoyer et al. 2015.

Click for Details Trawling landings across the Southern California Bight, as illustrated by CDFW 10 square kilometer blocks and shown along with known locations of stony deep-water corals. Trawling is known to disturb bottom habitats and deep-sea corals. Even though trawling effort has decreased in recent years, the impacts of this gear type can be long lived. For more information, consult Figure App.C.3.3 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.
Fixed Gear
A map showing landings of fish caught by fixed gear (a method of commercial fishing) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water gorgonians, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map. Data source: CDFW, Perry et al 2010; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA, Etnoyer et al. 2015.

A map showing landings of fish caught by fixed gear (a method of commercial fishing) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water gorgonians, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map. Data source: CDFW, Perry et al 2010; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA, Etnoyer et al. 2015.

Click for Details Historical landings of fixed gear that could impact benthic habitats are shown along with the locations of deep-sea gorgonians in the map above. Fixed gear usage is moderate around the Channel Islands and likely impacts gorgonians in CINMS habitats. Data is from 2007 to 2011. For more information, consult Figure App.C.3.4 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.
Trawl & Fixed Gear with MPAs
A map showing the locations of both trawling and fixed gear fishing in relation to protected areas (2007-2011) within the Southern California Bight. Data source: CDFW; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA

A map showing the locations of both trawling and fixed gear fishing in relation to protected areas (2007-2011) within the Southern California Bight. Data source: CDFW; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA

Click for Details Overlay of trawl and fixed gear fishing activity from 2007 to 2011 and protected areas is shown in the map above. Much of the landings is off the Santa Barbara mainland coast; however, fixed gear usage regularly occurs in Sanctuary waters. For more information, consult Figure App.C.3.5 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.